Fuse changer



April 8, 1947- H. `.1. KAHANEK 2,418773 FUSE CHANGER Filed sept. 9, 1944 700 @W90 Z j f@ j@ fg/5 IIL QU Patented Apr. 8, 1947 Application This invention relates to article handling devices and it has particular reference to electrical fuse changers.

rlhe principal object of the invention is to provide a simple device to facilitate the insertion and removal' of fuses from fuse clamps in electrical systems. It frequently happens that the metallic ends of fuse plugs become so tightlyv wedged in their clamps as to' make it impossible to effect their removal with the fingers and even when it is possible to so remove the fuse plugs, they are often dropped accidentally into the fuse box, sometimes causing short circuiting and are diicult to retrieve. The present invention provides a clamp with which is associated means, having the dual eiect of closing the clamp upon the fuse plug and of pulling the plug simultaneously.

Another object of the invention is to provide a fuse plug changing device consisting of a pair of hinged jaws, recessed to engage a fuse'plug and spring actuated to normally grip the plug and through the jawsis threaded a cord in such a manner that any tension imposed on the cord will be transmitted to the jaws to constrain them to close about the plug with the force increasing in relation to the tension on the cord, so that a fuse plug may be displaced without subjecting the same to a crushing force.

Another object of the invention is to provide a fuse plug changing device which which may be employed to insert a plug as eiciently as it is used for its removal and is so designed and constructed as to cbviate any likelihood of current conductance.

With the foregoing objects as paramount, the invention has further reference to certain features of accomplishment which will become apparent as the description proceeds, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings where- Figure 1 is a perspective View of a fuse changing device constructed according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a similar view, showing the clamp per se in longitudinal section.

Figure 3 is a plan view of one section of the clamp, the companion section having been removed to better illustrate the manner in which the pull oord is threaded through the clamp.

Figure 4 is a transverse section taken on line 6 4 on Figure 2 and,

Figure 5 is a side elevational view of the clamp expanded.

Continuing with a more detailed description of September 9, 194.4,Iv Serial No. 553,444 3 claims.V (or. sigas) the drawing,A reference numerals I 0 and II denote the two sections of the clamp which are constructed preferably from wood or plastic but may obviously be produced from any nonconductive material. The clamp elements In and I I, which may be hereinafter referred to as jaws, are held in pivotal relationship byy means of a coil spring I2, one end of the latter extending forwardly and entering. an opening intermediate the ends of the jawl I'I while the other end extends in intercrossing relationship to enter a transverse opening through the companion jaw Ill, the main body portion of the spring reposing in joint recesses I3 and` I4 in the jaws I0 and II respectively. In order to insure adequate displacement of the jaws Ill and I'I, the spring I2 is disposed nearer to the handle end of the clamp. At the operative end of the clamp, confronting circular recesses I5 and I6 are provided which are adapted to embrace a fuse plug but are preferably of such size as to provide a clearance between the jaws and the fuse plug so that the latter will not be subjected to a force likely to crush the same as it is being pulled from its clamp.

l Obviously, the spring I2 is effective to maintain normal closed position of the jaws I0 and II but to supplement the pressure supplied by the spring, a stout cord I'I is passed through the convolutions of the spring I2, thence through an oblique opening I8 in the jaw I I; along the outer face of this jaw, thence through axially aligned openings I9 in both jaws I0 and Il; thence along the outer face of the companion jaw II to an oblique opening Eil, corresponding to the oblique opening I8, thence rearwardly through the convolutions of the spring I2 and between the two jaws I0 and II Iparallel with the companion lead of the cord. The ends of the cord have attached thereto a knob 2l for convenience in pulling the cord.

From the foregoing it is apparent that when the handle ends of the jaw members Il) and I I are pressed together by the thumb and nger, resistance of the spring I2 is overcome and the recessed ends of the jaws are expanded so that they may be clamped upon a fuse plug. When this is done, the ends of the jaws are released and the spring will hold the clamp on the fuse plug. A pull is exerted upon the cord Il, better results being obtained by a quick jerk. The tension thus imposed upon the cord will be transmitted beyond the pivotal point of the jaws to exert counter pressures at the operative ends of the jaws to constrict the latter on the fuse plug. It is obvious that the constricting force is in 3 direct relation to the tension imposed upon the cord I1, hence it is entirely unlikely that the jaws will slip over the fuse plug but will be effective to pull the latter from its clamp without fracturing the same.

In inserting a fuse plug in its socket or clamp, the jaws I and Il are displaced sufficiently to engage a fuse plug and by which the latter is thrust in place. Should the jaws have a tendency to move apartunder the pressurerequirzed to insert 4the fuse plug, the Vcord yITI may be pulled at the same time that the clamp is advanced to insert the plug. In this manner the jaws of the clamp may be tightly contracted onto the fuse plug to prevent displacement thereof.

It is apparent that the herein described clamp may find many other uses than the insertion and removal of fuse plugs and it is not intended that the saine be so limited. It is also apparent that certain changes and modifications in con struction may be resorted to from time to time without departing from the spirit and intent of the invention as fall within the meaning and scope of the appended claims therefor.

apart apertures therein and held normally closed under spring tension and further having corresponding fuse engaging recesses at their operative ends, and flexible means looped through the apertures in each of said jaws and passing from one jaw to the other and between the apertures on the outside of each jaw and extending rearwardly thereof therebetween for imposing a closing force on said jaws when a pull is exerted thereon.- l K 13., A fuse changer including a pair of relatively hinged jaws held normally in closed position under spring tension and having corresponding fuse engaging recesses in their ends, and a cord looped through apertures adjacent the end of each jawmto extend from one jaw to the other through said apertures, thence extending rearwardly between said jaws and adapted, under tension, to urge said jaws operatively together.

HENRY J. KAHANEK.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of recordin the 

